“The main thing is to make certain he stays still as much as possible.”


    Like I can move much in this tiny stall.


    Pheh. I don’t need those hacks watching over me.


    Oh no, it isn’t.


    “Trust me,” Rudiger said. “Added observation’ll make him more likely to move about. Don’t worry, he understands his situation and is too vain to risk what proud flesh will do to his appearance.”


    The veterinarian shook his head. “Vain he may be, but I’m afraid you horse owners often ascribe greater intelligence to your animals than they actually have. Believe me, he doesn’t understand, and is likely to move about, especially if the wounds start to itch. He will be monitored. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have to check on the dogs.”


    Can I bite him?


    No. Rudiger patted the veterinarian’s arm. “I understand. Thank you.”


    It wouldn’t have been a hard bite. Just enough to show him I meant business.


    No you won’t, Borisin said and laughed—which came out as a series of short snorts.


    Gonna have some ugly scars, buddy, Rudiger said.


    Nah, nothing can spoil my natural allure. A few extra scars just add to the appeal. I could use a brushing though. My tail feels like it’s full of tangles. My mane too.


    Of course I am.


    His tail and mane could use a good brushing. Give me a moment. He placed his hand on top of the horse’s head, between the ears. I’m just glad you’re okay, buddy. “Hang, can you grab me a brush?”


    You’ve never been good at paying attention to your surroundings.


    You could have warned me.


    Nah, funnier this way.


    Rudiger straightened up. “Of course, your Highness.” Let him.


    Do I have to? He wanted to have me put down after the fight.


    Yes, Rudiger said.


    Rudiger groaned. “Sorry, your Highness. He’s a bit grumpy at the moment. Probably pain from the wounds.” I said let him!


    You’re no fun.


    Malef took a handkerchief from his pocket and began wiping his jerkin. “Think nothing of it. I’ve been around many horses in my time. They can be stubborn beasts, and they refuse to recognise things like rank and class.” The Prince looked at Rudiger and smiled. There was a bit of phlegm clinging to his bushy moustache. “I’ll live with the indignity.”


    I think it’s pretty hilarious. The least he deserved for wanting me dead!


    Yeah? So why did you order me put down?


    You tell him, whoever you are!


    No! No, you do not understand! This guy wanted to kill me! Borisin snorted, spraying more spittle onto the Prince’s sleeve.


    I can still stick my head over and get him again, you know.


    “This degenerate is Nedwin Friaz.” Despite Malef’s words, both he and Nedwin were grinning.


    Once again, Rudiger performed the greeting routine. “I’m honoured, your Highnesses, my Lord.” He hadn’t expected meeting the princes to go so well. It bothered him Hang was being ignored, though.


    “This lord, as you call him, Rudiger, always seems to be where my brother is.” Malef slapped Nedwin’s shoulder. “We can’t seem to get rid of him.”A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.


    Nedwin put an arm around Pastrin’s shoulders. He was considerably taller, so it was more like he put his arm over Pastrin’s shoulders. “I’m his best friend, aren’t I, Pastrin?”


    “Ha!” Malef spun around and put an arm around Rudiger. “That’s what they call it. Best friends.” He chuckled and leaned in conspiratorially at Rudiger. “They’re not fooling anyone, least of all the Queen—or your cousin, Ned.”


    Don’t even think of putting your arm around me.


    Borisin snorted again, but didn’t hit the Prince. I am getting really tired of this sucking up to royalty. Do not expect me to let him ride me!


    The singing from the other side of the door was clear even before Zandrue reached it. It wasn’t very good singing. The singer—whoever it was—had a breathy quality to her voice. Not surprisingly, she was taking a lot of breaths. She was not in tune with the harpsichord, either.


    Zandrue waited for the song to end. She adjusted the thin silver necklace she was wearing so that its bear ornament rested just above her breasts. Her hands went to her ears, which still ached. She stopped just short of touching the light earrings in her newly pierced lobes. Ebry had cautioned her not to touch them for a while. She wasn’t used to wearing earrings. They were too much of a hazard in a scrape, particularly if they dangled, which these did a little. Gods, she hoped she didn’t get an infection.


    A round of light applause and cheers signalled the conclusion of the song, and Zandrue nodded to the attendant at the door to let her in.


    Annai leaned in a little again. “She’s a darling, but a little dim.”


    “Oh, you don’t want to hear me sing, not after Tianna’s wonderful performance.” While Tianna’s performance hadn’t been very good, Zandrue couldn’t remember the last time she’d sung anything without being drunk at the same time. Her own abilities didn’t rate very high.


    “Do you know The Hallows of Aust?” La?nne played a small bit of melody on the harpsichord.


    “How about The Flower and the Earl?” Again, La?nne played a bit of melody.


    “That sounds familiar,” Zandrue said. “But I know it as The Princess and the Squirrel.”


    She turned and addressed the small audience. “I will perform next. I will be singing The Rage of Martan. La?nne, I hope you’ve been practising.”


    Annai looked back at her, and Zandrue extended her arms and clapped with even more vigour. “I had no idea you could sing so well, your Highness! It was truly astonishing!” It helped that Annai actually was a good singer.